Happy New Year!

Happiest of happy new years everyone!

We had a fun night last night - neighbors, family, and old friends gathered for chili and other goodies - most headed home before midnight - but the rest of us played Apples to Apples and rang in the new year a midnight. No one stirred until 10 this morning and we are still in our PJs and enjoying the Tournament of Roses Parade - my favorite!

I have enjoyed reading every one's posts reviewing 2010 and the hopes and goals for 2011. There are so many thoughts swirling in my head, but really I can break it down to a couple words:

Thankful - for blessings received, new friends made, long time friends kept, new things learned. I would love a slower paced life, but our busy family life is a sign that we have happy and active kids and are well employed. All things beading took a huge leap with the encouragement of Jen and many others, the start of the BFBG blog, the efforts to stock my Etsy store and the awesome connections that can be traced back to last springs Bead Soup (thanks Lori!). Followers, Likers, Commentors and Fellow Bloggers - you inspire me every day!

Excited - about new things I have yet to learn, probable changes professionally, trips we are thinking of taking, and other adventures that are sure to come our way.

Fighting - not in a negative way, but in the sense of not letting the status quo to get in the way of new directions and new experiences, to not let the hectic pace of life to keep from enjoying and having fun and to make sure I don't forget to take care of myself.

So enough swirling thoughts :-). From my family to you and ours, we wish you all the best, really and truly, in 2011!

Elisabeth

Elisabeth has been crafty all her life, but beads and jewelry have been her focus for the last few years. A class in lamp working inspired her to build a studio and focus on working with flames and hot glass. Elisabeth lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, two kids, and dogs Layla and Griffin, all who are frequent stars of this blog.